Nostalgia and deja-vu rolled over the Säbener Strasse in waves on Monday, as a scene repeated almost daily for 14 years played itself out one last time. Oliver Kahn completed a goalkeeping training session with his guide and mentor Sepp Maier in preparation for his testimonial on Tuesday evening, when Bayern play Germany in front of a capacity 69,000 crowd at the Allianz Arena. “I want a fabulous party with the crowd,” Kahn declared, “everything else is unimportant.“
The 38-year-old has obviously relinquished the win-at-all-costs mentality which underpinned his illustrious career, although he has no intention of tarnishing his reputation in his final outing. Indeed, he practised penalties and free-kicks – but as an outfield player, as a goal on his departure would be the icing on the cake for the three-time world keeper of the year.
Kahn has kept fit by running and working out in the weights room since leaving the club, but he has not stood in goal since his final league match. “I really don’t know what shape I’m in,” he confessed, “I’m relying on experience. All that matters is that I survive the 75 minutes I’m intending to play.“
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